In a sign that social tensions are rising between native Singaporeans and foreigners, an expatriate working in Singapore openly chided Singaporeans on her Facebook. Doreen Everitt, an Australian expat started a post on her Facebook asking why balloting of tickets is needed for her to see the National Day Parade: “Can somebody please explain to me this balloting of tickets to see the parade. Can I not just go and watch the activities?? What time do they start? As an expat working here for the first time I find it hard that a country makes you ballot for tickets to watch their countries parade.” Her comments did not go down too well with some Singaporeans who lampoon her for it. In a fit of anger, Doreen lashed out at Singaporeans for being ‘ungrateful’:“If we all pulled out you would be a very poor and lonely country. be grateful that there are people like us willing to give up our country, our ways to actually come and work for you and your government.”

She added that Singaporeans are ‘not the most friendly of people to be around.’ Her comments only served to infuriate Singaporeans further with many calling her to return back to her country:“Oh btw, if you feel people here are an unfriendly lot, maybe it’s because they can feel you treat them with disdain.” – William Lim“Doreen, you have indeed dug a very big hole for yourself. Thanks for stoking the flames of anti-foreigner sentiment even further with your comments.” – John Tan“ just ask the big white ass to go back to his / her white country!” – Chia Choon Kiat